Crofton Fourth of July event includes rides, family events

Children will be able to ride on a rocket, a train and an airplane, and meet a Red Ranger at Crofton's Fourth of July celebration.

The amusement park rides and a visit from the popular cartoon character are some of the newest features of the traditional Crofton event, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. July 1 at Crofton Elementary School and Hardy Field.

"We're hoping that it's going to be bigger than last year," said Michelle Devine, president of the Bowie-Crofton Jaycees, who are organizing the festivities. "We hope to draw more people and make it a family day."

Families can take part in events such as the toilet paper roll, the three-legged race and water balloon toss. Children also will be able to hop an air-conditioned activity bus filled with swings and monkey bars, or take trip on the moon bounce, an air-filled trampoline.

And everyone can enjoy 1950s and 1960s tunes by the Crofton band DeJa Vu and the songs of the Crofton Community Singers.

Tae Kwon Do experts, Royal T's gymnastics troupe and jugglers and acrobats also will be on hand to entertain, said event organizers.

And at least 30 booths will be set up to sell crafts or food, or to let people know about community groups.

Volunteers are needed to set up and oversee booths, group organizers said.

For more information or for booth registration, call Michelle Devine at (410) 721-7016 or Marnea Shamblen at (410) 721-5470.